Ohio Police Crack Down On Sweepstakes Videogames

BOWLING GREEN, OH -- Police here and agents from the Ohio Investigative Bureau raided an Internet café on June 14 and seized sweepstakes videogames, according to various press reports.

Officials said the machines, which also vend phone cards, were believed to be in violation of state gambling laws.

Ohio law does not expressly regulate sweepstakes games or sweepstakes videogames and cafés, leaving individual jurisdictions to adopt their own policies.

State Attorney General Mike DeWine is reportedly working with lawmakers to craft legislation for regulating sweepstakes videogames to be fair, honest and compliant with Ohio's gambling laws. | SEE STORY

Under current Ohio law, skill-based amusement machines are permitted, but are limited to noncash prizes with a wholesale value under $10. The state Supreme Court upheld that limit last October.